Expert: Peter Gabany - 6/23/2008

Question
hello, my name is Shaun and I am an advertising student at the art institute of California- San Diego and am studying to become an art director. I am about half way through with my schooling and am looking to get a head start with applying for an internship. What are agencies looking for when you apply for an internship and would you know of any agencies in the SD area that would be interested in an intern? My school does offer internships, but it counts as a class and I would rather try to save the money and find one on my own before I pay the school to find me one. thank you.

Answer
What are they looking for? Well according to the recent AIGA conference held in Boston this spring agencies are looking for diverse abilities in new media including video creation and upload, internet site design and programming and motion graphics.

Most ADs out of school think to look ad ad agencies for jobs but there is much opportunity at new media companies such as Juxt Interactive at Newport Beach (I'm not saying that they are hiring just that they are in your area) and the many design agencies and PR companies.

http://www.miresball.com/
http://advertising.utexas.edu/world/index.asp?pageid=Agencies_Menu
http://www.jacobtyler.com/
http://sitelab.com/

I can go on but you can do a search as well.

As to a portfolio - yes you can show GREAT student work, but show what YOU can do. Take old ads and reverse engineer them to make them better. Everyone wants a resume - make yours creative - not corny - creative. For instance. Take a small box 1" X 8" X 10" Put copy on the front - “I'd do just about anything for a internship” (or summer job or something). Inside put a can of Kiwi shoe polish and a small shoe brush. Make sure to leave your contact info.

If no one calls you back in a week, send them a shoe horn and write some clever copy that states that you are trying to horn your way into their organization. If they are creative they will jump.

Create your resume like that of a newspaper with some bold, in your face, ballsy headline like “name of agency hires new Ad to set thing Wright” (Don't judge - this is off the cuff).

Get creative and apply everywhere. When they call, let them know that you have several interview with agencies but that you can make time for them (in two days from their call). This will demonstrate that you are organized, in demand, business-like and DON'T be late. Be only 10 minutes early but not late.

Wait for them for 30 minutes maximum but at 20 minutes offer to rebook their appointment - after all you have several interviews lined up that day and you don't wish to be late.

I hope that this inspires and helps.

Pete